num1skinsfan wrote:Let's hope it's not a serious tear. If it just means missing time we lucked out. Training camp is a good time to break in a viable backup, never can have too many lineman in this league.

Agreed, while injuries are inherently unfortunate, having it happen now is much more advantageous than, say, three months from now. It does put the team in the position of assessing the viability of the remaining, non-starting lineman.

I am glad we have depth on the line, but I wonder how the Redskins will use that?

If Wade is being converted wouldn't it be harmful to slide him back to tackle and then back to guard when CSam is back? Who plays in Samuels' absence?

"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog

Just thought I would post this since I was educating myself about the injury...

What are the symptoms of a medial collateral ligament injury?
The most common symptom following a medial collateral ligament injury is pain directly over the ligament. Swelling over the torn ligament may appear, and bruising and generalized joint swelling are common 1 to 2 days after the injury. In more severe injuries, patients may complain that the knee is unstable, or feel as though their knee may 'give out' or buckle.

Symptoms of a medial collateral ligament injury tend to correlate with the extent of the injury. MCL injuries are graded on a scale of I to III.

* Grade I MCL Tear
This is an incomplete tear of the MCL. The tendon is still in continuity, and the symptoms are usually minimal. Patients usually complain of pain with pressure on the MCL, and may be able to return to their sport very quickly. Most athletes miss 1-2 weeks of play.

* Grade II MCL Tear
Grade II injuries are also considered incomplete tears of the MCL. These patients may complain of instability when attempting to cut or pivot. The pain and swelling is more significant, and usually a period of 3-4 weeks of rest is necessary.

* Grade III MCL Tear
A grade III injury is a complete tear of the MCL. Patients have significant pain and swelling, and often have difficulty bending the knee. Instability, or giving out, is a common finding with grade III MCL tears. A knee brace or a knee immobilizer is usually needed for comfort, and healing may take 6 weeks or longer.

"It's almost like, you play a kid's game for a king's ransom," he said. "And if you don't take it serious enough, eventually one day you're going to say, 'Oh, I could have done this, I could have done that."
Sean Taylor

Chris Luva Luva wrote:Hopefully they'll sit him down somewhere. Preferably chained to a bed with his foot elevated until the start of the season.

I almost want to stick our starters in cryo until the Miami game.

I was thinking about that. May be a hidden blessing. Samuels is enough of a vet that he probably doesn't need a ton of reps anyway. If he's fresh and fully recovered by opening day, I can't see having missed all of camp and preseason as a huge loss. I'm assuming he'll continue to work learning the playbook, etc., which I'm sure he will.

The one negative may be conditioning. It may be tough for him to come back after a month off. They are going to have him rest his leg for at least a week then start some rehabbing. I'm sure this next off season, he may get it cleaned out. Will wait and see.

Given his "documented" affinity for dogfighting, doesn't this mean that if he doesn't perform well in four weeks, he should be hanged, thrown violently to the ground, electrocuted, or shot? You know, just to send him a message.

Smithian wrote:On topic, who is his actually backup? Depth chart out yet?

Not yet. In practice today UDFA Stephon Heyer (Maryland) filled in, but that's likely only to see how he reacts to playing with the 1st unit. Since Chris is expected back even before the start of the season, they aren't too worried about finding the best backup right now — and it's also likely the reason why the coaches probably didn't consider moving Wade over to tackle.

Gibbs will be using this time to see who might be capable of doing what, and Chris will get back in the lineup with some time to spare.

"I’m never under the assumption that you draft for need. You draft the best available football player on the board. ... Because, in the long run, they are the ones who will help you win the most games." - Scot McCloughan

I spoke to someone from the Redskins today and they commented that Chris would likely miss "two to four" weeks. That wasn't an official statement so much as an expression of an opinion, but take it for what it's worth.

I would imagine that considering the time of the season - four weeks would be fine anyway. Let him heal properly.